League dates clash

Press, 8 May 1982, Page 64

League dates clash

PA Auckland The Australian organiser of the KB Cup rugby league tournament have asked the impossible of the South Island, according to the New Zealand league organisers. The Australians have scheduled South Island’s second-round cup .match against Brisbane for May 19 at Lang Park, Brisbane. On the same day, the South will be playing Central Districts at Huntly in the second round of the KB Super League series — same sponsors, different organisers. South Island officials had

not heard the date of the draw when contacted last evening. A member of the Canterbury Rugby League (Mr J. Anderson) said he was “amazed" to hear the game was on May 19 but said that the South Island “would have to go to Brisbane.” He had been speaking to the manager of the South Island team. Mr R. Aynsley earlier in the evening and he had not mentioned the clash of dates. Mr Anderson said South Island officials were to meet in GreyTnouth tomorrow morning and would discuss the dates then. Mr M. Janes, the chairman of the Canterbury Rugby League had not been notified of the date when contacted by “The Press” last evening. “The South Island will have to play in Brisbane and it looks like the New Zealand council will have to alter the draw for the inter-districts tournament. It wall upset a

lot of arrangements. Among other things, the tournament is being used as a trial to select the Kiwi team to tour Australia later in the season.” The New Zealand league president, Mr Ron McGregor, said yesterday of the Australian decision: "That’s an impossible date. The South Island cannot be released for that game.” “We have given the Australians our itinerary and they have known all along that it can’t be that date.” New Zealand has suggested the match be played on June 16. the day the Kiwis begin their tour of Australia and Papua New Guinea with a match against Gold Coast at Southport. “That was the recommendation by Ces Mountford (New Zealand coach) and the South Island players in the Kiwi team will be released where possible for the game,” Mr McGregor said.